Peterson, who previously served as chair from 2002 to 2006, succeeds professor Michael Stoll, who has served as chair since 2009.

"Michael has been deeply devoted to the department during his terms of service," Gilliam said. "He fought hard for his faculty, staff and students, which I've always respected."

Stoll's tenure has been marked by the following achievements:

Significant improvements in the number and strength of applicants to the Master of Public Policy degree

Successful recruitment of three new faculty members and three new staff members

Establishment of a joint degree in Public Policy and medicine

Expansion of interdisciplinary courses in law, management and the UCDC program in Washington, D.C.

Strengthened connections to MPP alumni

Peterson brings a deep background of scholarly and administrative experience, with his previous departmental chairmanship supplemented by service at the head of UCLA Luskin's Faculty Executive Committee and various campus- and UC-wide task forces.

Gilliam praised Peterson as a "trusted advisor."

"I've relied on him over the years for his sound counsel and I look forward to working with him over the coming years," Gilliam said.

Having celebrated its 15th anniversary last year, Public Policy is the youngest of UCLA Luskin's three academic departments, and enrolls more than 120 students in its MPP degree program.